Ahhh…romatherapy

The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy defines it as “combination of art and science utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.”

Aromatherapy is extracted oils from flowers, seeds, barks, roots and herbs. While there is not enough evidence to support its effectiveness in preventing illness, but there are clinical studies found to be an effective complimentary therapy to: anxiety reduction, lessens depression and headaches, while others increase energy and healing, boast immunity, improve digestion, aides to more restful sleep pattern and even increase circulation.

How aromatherapy is used

Facials – ashwagandha is spicy and woodsy scent, often used to rejuvenate skin and diminish dark circles under the eye. “A staple of Ayurvedic medicine, this oil is prized as an adaptogen and is traditionally used to help increase the body’s resistance to stress,” says Barbara Close, founder and CEO of Naturopathica. Clary sage, neem, thyme, cucumber, juniper and rosemary is ideal for combination, oily and blemished skin. They help to purify skin, reduces oil production and tightens enlarged pores and rebalances the skin. Rose oil softens, hydrates and soothe the skin, while frankincense provides relief to stressed skin. Lavender, petitgrain, ylang ylang, bergamot is highly popular for spa professionals as it is used to calm and relax the mind and body. Grapefruit, lemon, vitamin c and licorice root are natural skin brighteners. These are just a fraction of essential oil blended into skin care products.

Massage – basil helps to soothe and calm, hyssop is healing and soothing, immortelle repairs scar tissue. Kanuka is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, relieve muscle pain and swelling, making it an excellent ingredient in massage oil for sports massage.

Inhalation – eucalyptus oil is widely popular to clear upper respiratory congestion. Grapefruit, bergamot, ylang ylang, lemon, peppermint is often used as an uplift that energizes the mind and body. Melaleuca and rosemary is healing and stimulating, clear foggy thoughts, aid in concentration. Vetiver is earthy and the smoky scent helps with grounding and promote relaxation. There are multiple methods to inhale these wonderful essential oils, using in a diffuser or burner allowing the scent to fill the entire room is widely popular, adding it to steamer during a facial treatment or adding couple drops to a cotton ball, hold it few inches away from your nose and breathe deeply.

Soaking – adding couple drops to a nice warm bath soak is an effective use of essential oils, not only will the warm vapors absorb into your skin to relax you, the oils will make your skin silky smooth.

Few cautions while using essential oils

Proper care should always be taken. Essential oils are highly concentrated so when apply directly to skin may cause burning, stinging or allergic reactions, while others may react with certain medications, or shouldn’t used with certain health conditions. Due to high concentrated levels of essential oils, they MUST be diluted with carrier oils such as: almond, jojoba, flaxseed, safflower, apricot, borage, cranberry, evening primrose, hazelnut, hempseed, coconut, avocado, vegetable, grapeseed or olive oil. Avoid mineral oil and petroleum jelly, as they are byproducts of petroleum, therefore, is not natural rather more harmful. Mineral oil is used in baby oil and lotions because it is inexpensive to product, however will clog pores, prevent skin’s ability to breathe naturally, prevent essential oil absorption and toxins from excreting the body through sweating.

Have fun with essential oils

The rule of thumb for mixing: 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil. Always store your mixture in a sterilized glass bottle. Mix your oils with fine sea salt for body scrub, or couple drops in distilled water to use as toner or room freshener, add your scented water mixture to old flannel sheet as a fabric softener in your dryer, or add a few drops to unscented lotion! Unlimited of uses with aromatherapy!

Oxygen Facial does not require injections or application of any chemicals or have any down time, it is performed by a licensed esthetician in a spa setting. Prior to the treatment, the skin care specialist follows same protocol as any other facial by offering a consultation to determine whether the Oxygen Facial is the best choice for the client’s skin. Following the consultation the esthetician will than cleanse and exfoliate your skin to ensure it’s free of dirt and oil. After manual exfoliation or using a product to exfoliate the skin, a serum is chosen just for your skin type, than the serum is gently misted on to the skin and oxygen is introduced directly on the skin like a cool spray of air. The serum is packed full of botanical vitamins, aloe and hyaluronic acid that are highly and naturally beneficial for the skin, to help the skin retain its firmness and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Oxygen Facials are just as relaxing as any other facial, painless, with no harsh chemicals and it’s focus is to oxygenate the skin for a more youthful, healthy, more radiant looking skin.

Unlike chemical peels or injections, Oxygen Facial has no side effects, burning, stinging or pain. The method of delivering oxygen into the skin is very gentle, which makes Oxygen Facial for those with sensitive skin, and those who choose not to have harsh injections to get rid of wrinkles. After an Oxygen Facial one can resume normal activity, apply makeup without any concerns of irritations or down time.

The combination of fusing the skin with vitamins and oxygen is excellent for the skin as it encourages regeneration of new cells as well as collagen. This treatment may also rejuvenate skin that has been damaged by pollutants, free radical and other toxins that have starved skin cells of oxygen. Intraceutical Oxygen Facial is less expensive and safer than Botox injections or other chemical form of facial fillers. Oxygen Facial has been used to help get rid of acne scars and helps the skin create new cells at a faster rate to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Oxygen Facials has gain in popularity as THE facial for celebrities such as: Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow to drop a few names. And they’re just some of the high profile stars who use Oxygen Facials to keep their skin looking well-rested and radiant. As well as being a popular skin booster for weary celebrities, it’s also a great treatment for brides-to-be who need their skin to look stunning before their big day or any special event. This is because there is no risk of side effects that may occur with any other professional skin care treatments. Most importantly after the treatment your skin looks naturally years younger, luminous, glowing, plump and radiantly healthier for weeks!